Boris is having surgery *UPDATE*

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

I had posted in the health and medical group some time ago that Boris was having a problem in one of his shoulders which we discovered about five weeks ago...to cut a long story short this morning I brought him to the University Veterinary Hospital and waited all day to hear back.

Just had a call from the vet to say surgery on 'both' shoulders is taking place tomorrow afternoon. They just did more extensive x-rays and are satisfied that there is also damage to the right shoulder though it's not as bad as the left. Boris is scheduled for surgery early tomorrow afternoon and this will be started using keyhole surgery but if necessary will change to the traditional method. I expect a call tomorrow evening as vet said this is a long operation. We can visit on Wednesday. The condition he has is called OCD, Osteochondritis Dissecans and is a congenital hereditary condition.

I did contact the breeder and of course got the usual ' I have never had a puppy with this condition before' line....she did ask permission for her vet to get in touch with mine and that is going to happen. My vet is going to strongly advice that neither parent dogs be bred again. 

I would also like to add that I am very lucky that I have pet insurance. The full cost of surgery and any rehabilitation that is necessary is covered, minus €100. I expect the bill to be in the region of $3000

*UPDATE*

The vet just called, the operation is over and Boris is in recovery. Both shoulders had large lesions which he could only get to by the traditional method even though he started using the camera and there are now 15 staples in each shoulder. The vet says he will be very sore and the next while will be about pain management. He will stay in the hospital for the next few days and we can visit tomorrow all being well. I will phone at lunch time to check and hopefully we will go in the afternoon. He will be on crate rest for six weeks (don't quite know how that's going to work) and may have some rehabilitation in the pool later.  I feel very relieved that it's over and now just hope that it leads him to a pain free life. Time will tell and the next while is going to be a challenge. I am both happy and sad at the same time right now.

 

[Donna K & Quincy]

Wishing the best for Boris tomorrow. I know this is totally nerve wracking for you and waiting is really hard. Just know that all of your DK family are sending positive thoughts and vibes your way. I look forward to hearing the surgery is done and that all is well. Hugs to you.

[Robin and Libby Louise]

Good luck to you and Boris!  I'm sure he will be fine but it's so stressful to sit and wait and not be able to hold your baby throughout the surgery!  Let us know how he's doing!

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

I'm so sorry to hear that Boris requires surgery. I had not heard of OCD before. He is going to feel so much better once those shoulders are repaired though. Keep that in mind as you wait for him to return home. :) We'll be keeping you all in out thoughts and prayers.

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Sending healing thoughts and Prayers for Boris.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

We'll all be waiting with you, Nicky. Sending positive thoughts and hoping the surgery goes brilliantly and Boris does great. Hugs to you both. 

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

Wishing the best for Boris.  I am so glad you have insurance so at least that is not a concern.  We will all, I am sure, be keeping good thoughts and will be waiting to hear that all is fine.  Hang in there!  

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Thinking of you!!! Please keep us all posted on this. And thank goodness for insurance.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

You know we are all here for you, just like you are there for Boris.

Good Luck with the breeder. I am sure she is shocked and will come through but just in case, you let her know Ireland is just not that far from us. We would have no problem coming over to help her make up her mind about ....everything.  Hey, we could even bring Flat Laurie

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

All I want is for the breeder not to breed from Boris's parents again. I don't know any of her puppies that have this condition and I know lots of them so perhaps we are just unlucky? I am sure she is just a little afraid of me because she knows how prolific I am online LOL  It is just so hard to leave him in the hospital and put him through all this pain and discomfort. I bought a soft collar today that he can lie down with and also a Christmas jumper to disguise his shaved down shoulders. I also bought a new antler and some doggy ice-creams for when he comes home. The house is so quiet with just Riley here :(

[Robin and Libby Louise]

Aww, so sweet.  Treats for the boy.....it's so hard to see them in pain.  But in the long run he'll be better than new!

[F, Calla & Luca]

I'm sorry to hear Boris has a bilateral problem but it is better ti know this now and to get it taken care of. Wishing Boris, and you, all the best tomorrow.

[Lonnie & Libby Lu]

Nicky, I am so sorry to read this and will be saying prayers for Boris tonight and for his full recovery.  Hugs to you and please keep us posted.